Building a Low-Carbon Community

OUR GOAL

To minimize the environmental impact of housing development in Squamish by discouraging the use of high-carbon energy sources used in residential
construction.

HOW WE CAN GET THERE

We know that homes which use high carbon energy sources such as natural gas produce significantly more greenhouse gas emissions than those with low carbon energy sources, such as electricity.

To limit these emissions, we are proposing a Low Carbon Incentive System that will reduce the permitted maximum size of residential construction by one third if a high carbon energy source is used within the building. Buildings that use only Low Carbon energy sources such as baseboard heaters, heat pumps and electric hot water tanks can build to full size.

WHAT THIS MEANS

• Lower greenhouse gas emissions for homes built in residential (RS) zones, multiple unit residential (RM) zones and some mixed use apartments (C-4 and C-1) .
• Stronger alignment with District’s Community Climate Action Plan goal of constructing better buildings.
• Options for homebuilders regarding how to incorporate low carbon energy sources, including electric resistance systems such a baseboards, air source heat pumps, and geothermal.
• The option to use high carbon energy sources such as natural gas furnaces or hot water tanks, provided the residential building is one third smaller than previously allowed.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Complete our survey to share your feedback on the proposed Low Carbon Incentive system that aims to minimize the environmental impact of housing development in Squamish.
• Check out the District’s Community Climate Action Plan and learn about simple steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint.

HOW IS LOW CARBON MEASURED AND REGULATED?

• Greenhouse gas emissions would be measured using greenhouse gas intensity (GHGi) per square meter per year which is (kgCO2e/m2/year).
• Different housing forms would be required to meet different greenhouse gas intensity standards. For example, apartments would have a higher GHGi threshold due to limited options and costs for hot water heating within multi-family buildings.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?

More information about the proposed Low Carbon Incentive System can be found at this project specific webpage.